In the Midwest, when temperatures drop and the leaves turn deep shades of orange, red, and brown, the crisp air signals that freezing winter weather is just around the corner. As licensed plumbers in Kansas City, we know that the first cold snap means it’s time to prepare your plumbing for winter.
If you don’t have one already, pick up a temporary patch kit from a local home center so you can seal any broken pipe until a plumber makes a permanent repair. Also, be aware of the location of your main water shutoff valve. This is crucial if a pipe freezes and bursts.
While being prepared helps, the real key is prevention. Here are the best ways to prevent freezing pipes and avoid costly water damage this winter.
Winter Plumbing Tips to Keep Pipes From Freezing
Winter’s freezing temperatures can put your home’s plumbing at serious risk. The good news is that with the proper precautions, you can significantly reduce the chance of pipes freezing and bursting. These winter plumbing tips will help you protect your water lines, avoid costly repairs, and keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly all season long. Many of these preventive steps are simple DIY projects that homeowners can handle on their own with minimal tools or expense, making it easy to take action before cold weather sets in. Still, for more complex situations or added peace of mind, a licensed plumber can provide professional winterization services.
Increase Crawlspace and Attic Temperatures
Cold air in uninsulated crawlspaces and attics can quickly freeze nearby water lines. Raising the temperature in these spaces even temporarily can help keep pipes warm and prevent costly damage from freezing.
If your home has an uninsulated crawlspace, raise your thermostat during cold spells. The extra heat will help keep pipes from freezing under your floors. For long-term protection, insulate and air-seal these areas, and consider installing a remote temperature sensor so you can monitor conditions during extreme cold.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipe insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent water from freezing during freezing weather. It acts as a barrier against cold air, keeping your plumbing safe even in unheated spaces.
Use unfaced fiberglass to insulate pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and basements. For large areas, install foam board insulation to help retain heat. For added protection, install heat cables or heat tape along long runs of exposed pipes to prevent freezing. These tools can keep water flowing even in extremely cold conditions.
Let Faucets Drip
A slow drip can be your best defense against frozen pipes. Moving water resists freezing, even in subzero conditions.
On frigid nights, let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving through your plumbing system and reduce the risk of broken pipes.
Use Space Heaters Carefully
When pipes are in danger of freezing, targeted heat can save the day. A small space heater can keep cold spots above freezing until the weather warms.
For vulnerable pipes under sinks or in unheated areas, place an electric space heater nearby to keep temperatures above freezing. Keep heaters a safe distance from flammable materials and never use open flames.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Garden hoses and outside faucets are some of the first things to freeze in winter. Disconnecting them is an easy way to protect your plumbing.
Detach and store garden hoses before the first hard freeze. Leaving hoses connected can cause water to back up into the faucet and freeze, potentially damaging indoor plumbing.
If you have a sprinkler system, drain and winterize it to prevent damage from frozen water. This involves running an antifreeze-type solution through the water supply lines to the sprinkler system, which prevents expansion and pipe burst.
Seal Up Drafts
Cold drafts can sneak into your home and cause pipes to freeze from the outside in. Blocking them keeps your home warmer and your plumbing safer. Therefore, seal gaps and cracks around garage doors, crawlspace vents, and outside walls to prevent cold air from reaching water lines.
Open Cabinet Doors
Cabinets can trap cold air, leaving nearby pipes susceptible to damage. Opening them allows warm indoor air to circulate and protect your plumbing.
If plumbing runs along exterior walls—such as under kitchen or bathroom sinks—open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Pair this with a slow faucet drip for extra protection.
Turn Off Your Water If You’re Heading Out of Town
Water leaks and broken pipes can happen fast when no one is home to notice. Taking a few precautions before you leave can prevent a disaster.
If possible, drain your water lines before leaving for an extended trip to prevent water in the pipes from freezing.
Locate and Label Your Main Shutoff Valve
One of the most crucial steps in preventing significant water damage from burst pipes is knowing the location of your main water shutoff valve. This valve is your first line of defense in an emergency, enabling you to cut off the water supply to your entire home quickly. Locate the main shutoff valve, tag it, and ensure that everyone in your household, from adults to older children, knows its location.
To ensure rapid access when seconds count, clearly label the main shutoff valve. Use a bright, waterproof tag or paint to make it stand out. Consider adding simple instructions nearby, such as “Turn clockwise to shut off water.” Regularly test the valve to ensure it’s not seized or difficult to turn, but be careful not to overtighten it. Knowing how to quickly and efficiently turn off your water can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and mitigate extensive damage in the event of a pipe burst or other plumbing emergency.
Frozen or not, knowing how to shut off your home’s water supply quickly is critical.
What to Do if a Pipe Freezes
Even with the best prevention, a sudden cold snap can still cause pipes to freeze. Acting quickly can minimize damage and help you avoid expensive repairs. These steps will guide you through what to do if you suspect a frozen pipe.
1. Shut off the main water valve immediately. This prevents additional water from entering the frozen section and reduces the risk of flooding if the pipe bursts.
2. Use a hairdryer or electric heating pad to thaw accessible frozen sections. Start at the faucet end and work your way toward the blockage to keep melted water flowing out. Apply heat to the frozen section of pipe by wrapping an electric heating pad set on low around it or heating it with an electric hair dryer. This is a safe, DIY-friendly method to thaw frozen pipes that doesn’t require special tools.
3. Never use a blowtorch or an open flame. This can damage pipes or create a serious fire hazard.
4. Call a licensed plumber if you can’t reach or thaw the pipe safely. A professional has the tools and experience to resolve the issue without causing further damage.
Frozen water pipes can quickly escalate into burst pipes, flooding, and water damage once the ice expands. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing a plumbing disaster.
Call A-1 Sewer & Septic for Winter Plumbing Services
Don’t wait for cold weather to cause a plumbing emergency. Proactive measures are essential for protecting your home against the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.
Contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. today for comprehensive winterization services, pipe insulation, or find yourself facing an immediate emergency with a frozen line. Our team of experienced Kansas City plumbers is dedicated to helping you prevent frozen pipes and ensure your home remains safe and sound throughout the entire winter season. We offer a range of solutions, from expert pipe wrapping and sealing to thorough system checks and emergency thawing services, all designed to protect your most valuable asset.